Bobath: Advanced (Western Cape)

Entry requirements

Basic Bobath certificate (3-week Basic Bobath course on the assessment and treatment of adults with neurological conditions: The Bobath Concept) obtained more than six months prior to attending the Advanced course.

This international, IBITA-certified Advanced Bobath course presented by Rehab Skills Lab focuses on Postural Control Related to Reaching and Grasping.

Aim

Application of the Model of Bobath Clinical Pratice in the assessment and treatment of problems related to reach and grasp

The Model of Bobath Clinical Practice (Michielsen et al, 2019) was developed to provide a framework to identify aspects unique to the Bobath concept. The MBCP provides the basis for a common understanding of clinical practice, education and research.

The integration of posture and movement with respect to quality of task performance is key in the application of the concept. The aim is to teach participants how to apply the MBCP – based on and underpinned by the most recent and relevant theoretical knowledge – in the everyday practice of neurological rehabilitation. In this course the assessment and treatment of impairments/problems related to reach and grasp come under the spotlight.

The rationale of the AHA Boost programme (Michielsen et al, 2025), which was developed in RevaHerk, forms part of a common thread throughout this course.

Michielsen M, Vaughan-Graham J, Holland A, Magri A, Suzuki M, The Bobath concept – a model to illustrate clinical practice, Disabil and Rehabil, 2019, Vol 41,17, 2080-2092

Michielsen m, Cornelis L, Cruycke L, De Smedt A, Fobelets M, Putman K, Vander Plaetse M, Verheyden G, Meyer S, Arm-hand boost (Aha BOOST) therapy to improve recovery of the upper limb after stroke: Rationale and description by means of the TIDieR checklist; Front of Neur (2025) under publication.

Objectives

• Understanding the relationship between postural control and reaching and grasping;
• Understanding relevant neurophysiology related to upper-limb movement and postural control;
• Understanding the importance of sequences of movement related to reaching;
• Understanding the importance of involving the hand;
• Examining weighting as a method for segmenting reaching movements;
• Gaining the ability to use the MBCP as a clinical reasoning tool in relation to reaching and grasping.

Methodology

An interactive week-long course that includes theory, practical sessions and clinical work with adults presenting with neurological conditions.

CPD points: Will be applied for